Photo Credit: Alex Bemis
Can anyone believe it’s been nearly four years since Spiritbox released their debut record? It certainly doesn’t feel that way, but that might also be thanks to the pair of EPs the Canadian band have put out in the interim. But alas, the years have gone by, and the quartet’s popularity has only increased, between two songs with Megan thee Stallion, and that infamous red carpet moment we’ve all witnessed. Now, Spiritbox are poised to only take their success even further with their new album, Tsunami Sea.
Following the more experimental sounds they’ve toyed with on their past two EPs, especially Rotoscope, Tsunami Sea finds Spiritbox flexing their songwriting muscles, with songs such as No Loss No Love or Ride the Wave seamlessly weaving electronics alongside Mike Stringer’s signature crushing guitars in their sonic DNA. Similarly, Crystal Roses also sees these digital beats pop up, but this time the result is far more melodic, akin to something Poppy (no pun intended) might release. Ride the Wave, too, features a groovier overall atmosphere – until the inevitable breakdown, that is – with Josh Gilbert’s steady bass playing anchoring everything down throughout.
That said, this is Spiritbox we’re talking about, and we all know what that means. Once again, and as per everyone’s expectations, Courtney LaPlante’s vocals steal the show every single time, whether it’s her soft and melodic notes, or her earth-shattering screams. Songs such as the album opener, Fata Morgana, or recent single Soft Spine perfectly illustrate the singer’s ability to ping-pong between the two vocal styles with ease. There are also some moments where Courtney employs some modulation effects to her crooning voice, as heard throughout Black Rainbow or in the aforementioned Crystal Roses.
The biggest surprise within Tsunami Sea, however, is bassist Josh backing up Courtney’s vocals in Perfect Soul, especially for those of us who were not familiar with his career prior to joining the Canadian quartet. His voice complements Courtney’s so well, it would be a crime to not have him on backing vocals duty more often. Keep at it, Josh!
All in all, Tsunami Sea proves to be a great follow-up to 2020’s Eternal Blue and a natural continuation of their sound, following the pair of EPs that Spiritbox have put out in past years. While some might find their heavy tracks “more of the same” or consider them “more of the same”, these songs are part of the band’s core sound, and nothing will change that. Either way, this album is already one of the year’s best releases, and we can’t wait to see what else the band have in store for us.
9.5/10
Standout Tracks: Perfect Soul, Tsunami Sea, Keep Sweet, Crystal Roses
For Fans Of: Poppy. Jinjer, Parkway Drive, Architects
Written by: Florin Petrut
